We have recently secured the signature of James Milner on a free transfer, and have seen first hand the benefit of monitoring a player’s contract situation closely. There are a number of players coming to the end of their current contracts at their respective clubs, and we may well be able to pick up some more bargains – either now or in the future.
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Here are the eight best players with just a year left on their current contracts:
8) Rafinha
The youngest of the Alcantara brothers, Rafinha currently plays for Barcelona as an attacking midfielder. The youngster is incredibly talented, but arguably doesn’t quite fit into the Barcelona style of play. He looks like he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, but it doesn’t look certain to be at the Nou Camp.
7) Alex Sandro
A highly rated left-back, the Brazilian has been excellent since making the switch to FC Porto. The club have mysteriously let him get into the final year of his contract, and he could prove an excellent signing.
He has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past (via The Telegraph), and for the right price we shouldn’t overlook him.
6) Javier Hernandez
It would be somewhat controversial for a Manchester United player to make the switch to Anfield, but not unheard of. The Mexican is not the marquee signing that many may demand, but he is certainly capable of getting goals.
5) Andriy Yarmolenko
The Ukrainian is a long term target of ours (via the Daily Mail), and has shown for both club and country that he is a special talent. A hefty asking price has put us off in the past, but we could secure his signature cheaply with his contract running down.
4) Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen is a top quality defender, but has been wasted at Tottenham. He is often played out of position, and has not been at his best since his move to London. We could rescue him from his White Hart Lane nightmare, and he could well prove an excellent acquisition.
3) Ezequiel Lavezzi
The Argentine is ageing somewhat now, but is still a top talent. He should by no means be top of our transfer list, but if we can get him cheaply then we shouldn’t turn our noses up.
2) Bastian Schweinsteiger
Currently being chased by Manchester United (via the Metro), the German World Cup winner would walk into almost any team in the world. He would be an excellent addition to our midfield, and still has more than a few good years left in him.
1) Theo Walcott
Arsenal may well tie Walcott down to a new long term contract, at which point we should back off – as we don’t want to be paying through the nose for the England international.
He is a boyhood Liverpool fan though, and may well jump at the chance to play in front of the Kop. With his current contract running down, we should definitely keep an eye on his situation.
Walcott has struggled badly with injury – which may well drive his price down – but he showed on his return at the end of last season that he has what it takes.